since short bows and long bows of the same type carry the same range bonus, and since short bows fire faster (right?) is there a reason to use long bows?

Unless you're not going for time, the longbow is more accurate, but not as fast.

Longbows have a longer range as well.

are there any numbers or specifics on what the comparative advantages are?

As far as I know (which is acceptable, but not overwhelming), both bows have the same accuracy and strength, but the shortbow shoots faster, and the longbow longer. YOu'd use a longow while p'king, for example.

As far as I know (which is acceptable, but not overwhelming), both bows have the same accuracy and strength, but the shortbow shoots faster, and the longbow longer. YOu'd use a longow while p'king, for example.

 

 

 

 

Why would we use a longbow, it's slower.

 

 

 

Most pking rangers use shortbows nowadays....

for sniping someone far away, it would take some time for them to come to you. When they come close, switch to shortbow.